NAME CHANGE FOR LASER DINGHYHOME NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS NAME CHANGE FOR LASER DINGHY29 Apr 2019EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintThe class-approved Laser dinghy has changed its name to ‘ILCA Dinghy’ Photo: PixabayINDUSTRY DATABASEINTERNATIONAL LASER CLASS ASSOCIATIONThe International Laser Class Association (ILCA) has announced that all new, class-approved boats will be sold and raced under the ‘ILCA Dinghy’ name.The ILCA recently terminated the contract of long-time builder of the class dinghy, LaserPerformance, which owns the rights to the Laser trademark. Scuttlebutt Sailing News reports that the name change, effective from 25 April, will apply to all three rig sizes allowed by the ILCA Class but will not affect existing ILCA-authorised boats and equipment.”It’s a big change for a racing class that hasn’t seen anything like this in our almost 50-year history,” said class president, Tracy Usher.Industry supportTracy said the ILCA is grateful for the support from the racing community and sailing industry as the association looks to involve new manufacturers following the loss of LaserPerformance. She admitted that the timing was not ideal, but sought to reassure customers.”Europe may see a slight increase in delivery times, but other regions will soon see their orders filled more quickly and efficiently than under the previous builder,” she said.Olympics uncertaintyThe Laser dinghy has been used at the Olympics since the Atlanta games in 1996. Its use is guaranteed at the upcoming 2020 games in Tokyo but a decision is yet to be made for Paris 2024 and beyond.ILCA has said that it plans to contact its members, districts and national sailing federations over the next 30 days with guidance on how to easily order boats and equipment.

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